What is Delta 9 THC? Effects, Benefits & Risks

What is the history of Delta 9?

While many historians have noted the use of marijuana dating back thousands of years for medicinal and other uses, THC – and therefore Delta 9 – was first isolated by Israeli chemists Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni in 1964.

They also identified its psychotropic properties and its chemical structure. A year later, Professor Friedhelm Korte from the University of Bonn in Germany discovered that when THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is exposed to heat, it forms THC.

Does Delta 9 get you high?

Yes! Delta 9 THC contains the psychoactive properties that give you the sensation of being intoxicated, or “high.” (When you think of cannabis or marijuana, the Delta 9 cannabinoid is synonymous with this!) Many people report this as experiencing a sense of time and/or reality feeling altered, an increase in appetite, a heightened sense of being able to focus, and overall relaxation.

If you’re new to this, it’s recommended to start with smaller amounts to understand how this will impact you! (Some consumers with a higher tolerance may find that the lower amounts of Delta 9 in products such as gummies or oil tinctures may not elicit the same effect as medical or recreational marijuana.)

Is Delta 9 THC legal?

Currently, products containing Delta 9 that’s derived specifically from hemp plants (not cannabis plants) and have no more than 0.3% (Delta 9) are legal for sale and consumption in all 50 states. The distinction between products made from cannabis plants versus hemp plants was defined in the 2018 Farm Bill. This was a huge win for the hemp and CBD industry as it opened up new opportunities to expand their product lines for consumers across the nation.

Will Delta 9 cause you to fail a drug test?

Yes. Products that contain Delta 9 THC are detectable on a urine test, typically anywhere from three to 30 days on average. The amount of time it remains in your system depends on how much you’ve consumed and the frequency in which you’ve been consuming it. 

Is Delta 9 safe to consume?

Delta 9 is safe to consume – but due to its intoxicating nature, it can cause undesirable short term effects including anxiety, slow reaction times, dry mouth, and memory loss. If products containing Delta 9 THC are new to you, it’s recommended to start with a small amount to see how it will affect you.

What are the benefits of Delta 9?

Many people find that Delta 9 THC helps with nausea, pain management including body aches and chronic pain, improvement of overall mood, increased focus, relaxation, and deeper sleep. There are a number of ailments that Delta 9 is commonly used to help alleviate, including depression, insomnia, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, seizures, and PTSD.

THC prompts the release of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that causes a euphoric sensation. Most commonly, users note a feeling of heightened sensory perception, an increase in appetite (you’ve probably heard the term “munchies” before!), and an altered perception of time.

What are the side effects of Delta 9?

Some of the potential negative side effects can include anxiety, red eyes, slow reaction times, short term memory loss, difficulty thinking/speaking, and increase in heart rate. Each person is impacted differently by THC so starting small and increasing gradually (if needed or desired) is the best approach.

Does Delta 9 help with anxiety?

Many people find that consuming Delta 9 helps with relaxing and easing their anxiety, everything from social anxiety to more extreme panic disorders. However, other people have found that Delta 9 actually increases their anxiety, causing them to feel like their heart and mind are racing and giving a sense of panic. Because everyone is different, it’s best to start with a small amount to see how it will impact you.

Can Delta 9 help with nausea?

Delta 9 THC has been known to help alleviate nausea and vomiting, as well as improving your appetite. It is also used to help aid in managing symptoms for both IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Delta 9 is often used to help aid in overall pain management as well. 

What’s the difference between Delta 9 and Delta 8?

Because Delta 9 and Delta 8 share the same chemical compound, they are very similar to one another. This also means that their bodily effects are typically also very similar. However, they have a slightly different molecular structure from one another which does differentiate them, both chemically and with how they impact users.

Both give users the intoxicating feeling – feeling “high” – but many people claim that Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9 and appear to elicit less side effects.. Experts are continuing their research around this to determine just how different or similar they really are. A number of users who report having a higher THC tolerance have found that Delta 9 is better suited for them compared to Delta 8. 

There are also legal differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 depending on which state you live in, so be sure to check your state’s laws around THC products.

How much Delta 9 should I take?

There is no right or wrong amount to take – but a good general rule of thumb to follow is start small and gradually increase as needed or desired. Most Delta 9 Gummies contain 25mg (per gummy) as a standard amount. If you are unsure of how this will affect you, try starting with half a gummy! You know your body and what’s most comfortable for you, so after giving a small amount a try, stay with that if it feels appropriate or try a bit more if you’d like to increase the sensation.

What type of Delta 9 products are there?

The most well known type of Delta 9 is the cannabis flower, but more and more companies are offering Delta 9 gummies, oil tinctures, vape cartridges, chocolates, caramels, honey sticks, and even beverages! More recently, Delta 9 products have expanded to include lotions, bath salts, topical salves, hard candy lozenges, and dissolvable strips.

Many of these products are infused with CBD as well, which can be an extra added bonus if you’re looking for additional pain management, relaxation, or an overall rounded out product. Be sure to read up on the specific product you’re interested in to see what other ingredients are included! (This is especially important if you have any nut or dairy allergies.)

How long does Delta 9 THC stay in your system?

Delta 9 THC can stay in your system (and therefore appear on a urine test) on average from three to thirty days.This can differ depending on how much you’re ingesting and the consistency in which you’re ingesting it. 

How long will I feel the effects of Delta 9?

The amount of time that people feel the effects of Delta 9 THC varies person to person. The method of consumption, amount consumed, and your metabolic rate are just some of the  factors that impact how long (or short) you will feel the effects. Inhaling/vaping/smoking Delta 9 most commonly results in a faster onset but with a shorter overall timespan.

Oral consumption of Delta 9 products, such as gummies, typically takes longer for the effects to kick in but provide a longer lasting duration. While different for everyone, a general range is 30 minutes to 2 hours for the onset of effects to kick in, lasting anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. We can’t stress enough that these results will vary! 

What’s the difference between Delta 9 and Delta 10?

While there is still much to be discovered and tested around Delta 10 THC, both this and Delta 9 THC are specific compounds found within THC. Early research by users has suggested that Delta 10 is similar to Delta 9 in that it does get you “high” – but with less intensity and a more focused, clear feeling.

This is purely anecdotal and not scientifically proven at this point, but we anticipate hearing more about this specific THC compound in the years to come. 

What’s the difference between CBD and Delta 9?

While CBD (cannabidiol) and Delta 9 THC share similar chemical compounds and are both found in the cannabis plant, different variations of this plant contain different levels of cannabinoids. The biggest difference between cannabis plants is the amount of THC found in them.

The 2018 Farm Bill considers “hemp plants” to be cannabis sativa plants that contain less than 0.3% THC. (Other varieties of this plant typically contain more THC and less CBD. Delta 9 THC is extracted from cannabis sativa plants that contain more than 0.3% THC.) These specific hemp plants are then used to extract CBD and create CBD products. Due to the trace amounts of THC found in hemp plants, this leads to the next major difference between the two: CBD is non-psychoactive and will not get you high! 

What should I look for in Delta 9 Products?

As with any product that you consume, it’s important to be aware of where it’s sourced from and manufactured. Companies that sell Delta 9 products are legally regulated for handling products containing THC and the required limits around this, along with how and where they can be sold and transported to. However, this doesn’t always mean that they’re regulated for efficacy or quality. While it’s up to the company to test their products and provide straightforward information to their customers, it’s up to the consumer to do their research and find a source they feel is reputable. 

An easy place to start is searching online for company reviews. First-hand accounts from fellow consumers can offer great insight into the company’s products, customer service response, brand recognition, and more. Some CBD companies (that also sell Delta 9 products) are actually third parties that don’t directly produce and manufacture the products they sell. When possible, it’s best to find a company that creates and sells their own products. (Alternatively, companies that don’t manufacture their own products but clearly show where they originate from are also good to look for!) Hemp that’s grown in the United States is another solid origin to watch for on product labels. 

Another item to look for is testing results on company websites. Look for companies that use 3rd party ISO-certified labs for testing their products. Many companies will also provide links to view the actual testing result documents! These labs test the purity, potency, and quality. Lastly, if you are allergic to certain foods or products, be sure to check the ingredient labels to review if the products are created and/or packaged in facilities that contain peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, or dairy.

Scientists (and enthusiasts alike) are continuing their research around Delta 9 and how it impacts our bodies and minds, both short term and long term. While the details and info we have at this point answers a number of questions, there is still much to be discovered around Delta 9 THC and its counterparts. However, due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, consumers are able to try out this popular cannabinoid in a number of different forms from the comfort of their own home to see if it is right for them.